Fibrosarcoma in Children

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A fibrosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that originates in the connective tissue found at the ends of bones of the arm or legs, and then spreads to other surrounding soft tissues. Soft tissues include:

fat

muscles

tendons (bands of fiber that connect bones to muscle)

nerves

joint tissue

blood vessels

other fibrous tissue

Fibrosarcoma most commonly affects either a lower leg or arm. There are generally two forms of this disease:

Infantile or congenital fibrosarcoma - This type of tumor is the most common soft tissue sarcoma found in children under one year of age. It's usually slow-growing, and tends to be more benign than fibrosarcoma in older children.

Adult form fibrosarcoma - The adult form of this disease can occur in older children and in adolescents (roughly between the ages of 10 and 15). It is more aggressive than the infantile form and generally involves more complex treatment.

What causes fibrosarcoma?

The exact cause of fibrosarcoma and other soft tissue tumors is not entirely understood. However, studies have indicated that genetic alterations may be involved.

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